What is the Best Pressure Washer for Me?

Here is all you need to know to choose the best pressure washer for your needs. 
There are two basic types of pressure washing equipment, Residential and Commercial.  Two important terms are necessary to understand the capabilities of a washer – Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) and Gallons Per Minute (GPM).

PSI: The higher the PSI the more forceful the stream coming out of the wand tip (cleaning gun) will be – i.e. 1500 PSI is strong, 2000 PSI is stronger and so on. If the PSI is too low for your needs it may not clean properly or take too long. A PSI too high may cause damage.

GPM: Gallons Per Minute is used to establish water usage requirements and can also affect the PSI. The more GPM, the greater volume of water is used and in most cases the greater the PSI. GPM is important for pro’s using limited mobile water sources (tanks) or  for property owners with low-pressure water supplies that may not keep up with a ultra-high GPM machines.

Residential washing needs typically fall between 1000 PSI and 3500 PSI, depending on the application at hand, and 2 to 4 GPM. See below for more information on the best machine for your specific application.

Professionals will utilize a commercial pressure washer designed to operate for hours at a time and is capable of utilizing additional attachments such as surface cleaners, sandblasters, hose extensions, etc. Typically, a commercial pressure washer will be in the 3500 to 8000 PSI range with a 4 to 8 GPM or higher capability.  These washers are more than a homeowner would need to maintain a residence and if misused could easily cause damage or injury.

What is the Best Pressure Washer for my application?

1500 to 2000 PSI pressure washers are best for light duty applications such as cleaning patios, windows and window frames, garden equipment, garden sheds, bicycles, automobile tires, etc.
CLICK HERE for an example of a 2000 PSI unit

2000 to 3500 PSI pressure washers are suitable for more robust applications such as removing loose paint, mold, grime, embedded dust, mud, and dirt from surfaces and objects such as buildings, vehicles and concrete surfaces. This category of machine will also be able to successfully utilize additional features such as surface cleaners, sand blasters, extension hoses, etc.
CLICK HERE for an example of a 3000 PSI unit

3500 to 5000 PSI pressure washers are used for very demanding applications such as stucco cleaning, barn cleaning, driveways, pavers, etc. These pressure washers are best suited for professional applications and commercial pressure washing. If misused these washers could easily cause damage or injury.
CLICK HERE for an example of a 4000 PSI unit

For de-greasing engines or equipment use hot water washers. The scope of your project will determine your pressure needs. Occasional cleaning of a car engine, grill or spot on a driveway does not require super-high pressure (2000 psi or less is adequate), while weekly cleaning of heavy machinery or industrial equipment may require machines of 3000 psi or more.
CLICK HERE to browse our hot water washers

Call us today to answer questions about pressure washers and what system is right for you